Over-the-door hanging apparatus

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for hanging an article from a door. In one aspect, the apparatus can include a mounting system that can be used to hang a mirror, piece of art, or other article from a door without the need for a screw driver or any other tools. The mounting system may include one or more elongate members that are hung from a top edge of the door and that include mounting elements that mount to separate mounting elements that are secured to the article. The mounting may be achieved via one or more of relative rotation of the elongate members and the article and relative horizontal translation of the elongate members and the article. The inventive apparatus may permit multiple hanging heights for individualized optimization.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 15/084,102, filed Mar. 29, 2016, which: (1) claims the benefitof U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/216,703, filed Sep.10, 2015; and (2) is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 14/747,656, filed Jun. 23, 2015, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,386,867,which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/300,834, filed Jun. 10, 2014, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,060,627, which is acontinuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/028,839, filed Sep.17, 2013, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,746,644, which is a continuation of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 12/915,747, filed Oct. 29, 2010, now U.S.Pat. No. 8,534,627, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 61/334,914, filed May 14, 2010. The entirety ofeach of the above-referenced applications is incorporated herein byreference.

FIELD

The present invention relates to an over-the-door hanging apparatus.

BACKGROUND

Mirrors are used often in everyday life. For example, the first thingthat a person does after waking up is go to the bathroom and look at himor herself in the mirror. Furthermore, people also typically look atthemselves in the mirror prior to leaving the house to make sure thatthey are pleased with their appearance. A very common room in the homefor a person to desire to have a mirror is in the bedroom or thebathroom. However, there is not always a good place to put a mirror inthose rooms. Therefore, it has been known to hang a mirror on a wall oron the back of a door by using adhesives, screws, nails or hangers.Doors have been widely used to support mirrors because they provideconvenient available space, because they may be removed to facilitatemounting of the mirror, and because they avoid the necessity of placingwall anchors in plaster or drywall.

In addition to mirrors, people are often desirous to hang other articlesor objects on the back of a door in order to conserve space while stillenjoying the benefits of the article. For example, people may desire tohang a painting, picture or some other framed article from the back of adoor. Depending on the person's needs and the space that the person hasavailable, a person may desire to hang any object that may otherwise behung or attached to a wall from a door instead.

Typical hangers that enable a user to hang a mirror or other article onthe back of a door require a user to assemble the hanger onto the rearof the mirror or other article by screwing, gluing or otherwiseattaching the hanger directly onto the rear of the mirror or otherarticle. This type of an installation requires a screw driver or glue,which a user or consumer does not always have available. Furthermore, inthe case of a screw-type assembly, even if the user has a screwdriver,the user may find it difficult to force the screw into the rear of themirror or other article because the mirror or other article typicallydoes not have pilot or pre-drilled holes.

Thus, a need exists for an apparatus and/or system that can be used tohang a mirror, piece of art, or other article to a door without the needfor a screw driver or any other tools. A need also exists for anapparatus and/or system that enables a user to hang a mirror, piece ofart, or other article from a door in a matter of seconds without theneed for excessive physical force and with the ability to adjust itshanging height.

SUMMARY

The present invention may be directed, in one aspect, to anover-the-door hanging apparatus comprising: a support structureextending along a longitudinal axis and having a rear surface; a firstmounting element pair coupled to the rear surface of the supportstructure, the first mounting element pair comprising a first mountingelement and a second mounting element, each of the first and secondmounting elements comprising a curved channel; a first elongate membercomprising a first surface, an opposite second surface, a first mountingelement and a second mounting element protruding from the first surfaceof the first elongate member, and a first bracket protruding from thesecond surface of the first elongate member for engaging a top edge of adoor; the support structure and the first elongate member coupledtogether by simultaneously: (1) rotating the first mounting element ofthe first elongate member through the curved channel of the firstmounting element of the first mounting element pair; and (2) rotatingthe second mounting element of the first elongate member through thecurved channel of the second mounting element of the first mountingelement pair

In another aspect, the invention can be an over-the-door hangingapparatus comprising: a support structure extending along a longitudinalaxis and having a rear surface; a first mounting element pair coupled tothe rear surface of the support structure, the first mounting elementpair comprising a first mounting element and a second mounting element,each of the first and second mounting elements comprising a horizontallyelongated channel; a first elongate member comprising a first surface,an opposite second surface, a first mounting element and a secondmounting element protruding from the first surface of the first elongatemember, and a first bracket protruding from the second surface of thefirst elongate member for engaging a top edge of a door; the supportstructure and the first elongate member coupled together by: (1)inserting the first mounting element of the first elongate member intothe horizontally elongated channel of the first mounting element of thefirst mounting element pair and inserting the second mounting element ofthe first elongate member into the horizontally elongated channel of thesecond mounting element of the first mounting element pair; and (2)horizontally translating one of the first elongate member and thesupport structure relative to the other so that the first and secondmounting elements of the first elongate member move horizontally withinthe horizontally elongated channels.

In yet another aspect, the invention can be an over-the-door hangingapparatus comprising: a support structure extending along a longitudinalaxis and having a rear surface; a mounting bracket coupled to the rearsurface of the support structure, the mounting bracket having an upperedge and a lower edge and being elongated in a direction transverse tothe longitudinal axis of the support structure; a first elongate membercomprising a first surface, an opposite second surface, at least onemounting element protruding from the first surface of the first elongatemember, and a first bracket protruding from the second surface of thefirst elongate member for engaging a top edge of a door; and the supportstructure slidably mounted to the mounting bracket through matingbetween the at least one mounting element of the first elongate memberand the lower edge of the mounting bracket.

Further areas of applicability of the present invention will becomeapparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It shouldbe understood that the detailed description and specific examples, whileindicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended forpurposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope ofthe invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will become more fully understood from thedetailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective rear view of an over-the-door hanging apparatusin accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a close-up view of a top portion of the over-the-door hangingapparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3a is a side view of an elongate member of the over-the-doorhanging apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3b is a perspective view of the elongate member of FIG. 3 a.

FIG. 4a is a perspective view of a mounting plate of the over-the-doorhanging apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4b is a front view of the mounting plate of FIG. 4 a.

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the over-the-doorhanging apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional schematic of the over-the-door hangingapparatus of FIG. 1 illustrating the connection between the elongatemember and the mounting plate.

FIG. 7 is a perspective rear view of an over-the-door hanging apparatusin accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the over-the-doorhanging apparatus of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the portion of the over-the-door hangingapparatus of FIG. 7 in accordance with an alternative embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a rear view of an over-the-door hanging apparatus inaccordance with a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the over-the-door hanging apparatus ofFIG. 1 hanging from a top edge of a door.

FIG. 12 is a perspective rear view of an over-the-door hanging apparatusin accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a close-up view of a top portion of the over-the-door hangingapparatus of FIG. 12.

FIG. 14a is a side view of an elongate member of the over-the-doorhanging apparatus of FIG. 12.

FIG. 14b is a perspective view of the elongate member of FIG. 14 a.

FIG. 15a is a perspective view of a mounting plate of the over-the-doorhanging apparatus of FIG. 12.

FIG. 15b is a front view of the mounting plate of FIG. 15 a.

FIG. 16 is an exploded view of a portion of the over-the-door hangingapparatus of FIG. 12.

FIG. 17a is a cross-sectional schematic of the over-the-door hangingapparatus of FIG. 12 showing the connection between the elongate memberand the mounting plate.

FIG. 17b is a cross-sectional schematic of the over-the-door hangingapparatus of FIG. 12 showing the connection between the mounting plateand a door with the elongate member omitted in accordance with analternative embodiment.

FIG. 18a is a side view of an elongate member of the over-the-doorhanging apparatus of FIG. 12 in accordance with an alternativeembodiment.

FIG. 18b is a rear perspective view of the elongate member of FIG. 18 a.

FIG. 19a is a perspective view of a mounting plate of the over-the-doorhanging apparatus of FIG. 12 in accordance with an alternativeembodiment.

FIG. 19b is a front view of the mounting plate of FIG. 19 a.

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional schematic of the over-the-door hangingapparatus of FIG. 12 showing the connection between the elongate memberof FIG. 18a and the mounting plate of FIG. 19 a.

FIG. 21A is a perspective view of a portion of an over-the-door hangingapparatus in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present inventionwith an elongate member and a mounting element in a detached state.

FIG. 21B is a perspective view of the portion of the over-the-doorhanging apparatus of FIG. 21A with the elongate member and the mountingelement in an attached state.

FIG. 22A is a perspective view of a portion of an over-the-door hangingapparatus in accordance with a sixth embodiment of the present inventionwith an elongate member and a mounting element in a detached state.

FIG. 22B is a side view of the elongate member of FIG. 22A.

FIG. 22C is a perspective view of the portion of the over-the-doorhanging apparatus of FIG. 22A with the elongate member and the mountingelement in an attached state.

FIG. 23A is a plan view of a portion of an over-the-door hangingapparatus in accordance with a seventh embodiment of the presentinvention with an elongate member and a mounting element in a detachedstate.

FIG. 23B is a side view of the elongate member of FIG. 23A.

FIGS. 23C and 23D are plan views of the portion of the over-the-doorhanging apparatus of FIG. 22A illustrating the manner of coupling theelongate member to the mounting element.

FIG. 24A is a plan view of a portion of an over-the-door hangingapparatus in accordance with an eighth embodiment of the presentinvention with an elongate member and a mounting element in a detachedstate.

FIGS. 24B and 24C are plan views of the portion of the over-the-doorhanging apparatus of FIG. 24A illustrating the manner of coupling theelongate member to the mounting element.

FIG. 25A is a perspective view of a portion of an over-the-door hangingapparatus in accordance with a ninth embodiment of the present inventionwith an elongate member and a mounting element in a detached state.

FIG. 25B is a perspective view of the portion of the over-the-doorhanging apparatus of FIG. 25A with the elongate member and the mountingelement in the attached state.

FIG. 25C is a perspective view of the portion of the over-the-doorhanging apparatus of FIG. 25B illustrating an alternative embodiment ofthe mounting element.

FIG. 25D is a perspective view of the portion of the over-the-doorhanging apparatus of FIG. 25A illustrating still another alternativeembodiment of the mounting element with the elongate member and themounting element in a detached state.

FIG. 25E is a perspective view of the over-the-door hanging apparatus ofFIG. 25D with the mounting element and the elongate member in anattached state.

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of an over-the-door hanging apparatus inaccordance with a tenth embodiment of the present invention with oneelongate member in an attached state and another elongate member in adetached state.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is merelyexemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention,its application, or uses.

The description of illustrative embodiments according to principles ofthe present invention is intended to be read in connection with theaccompanying drawings, which are to be considered part of the entirewritten description. In the description of embodiments of the inventiondisclosed herein, any reference to direction or orientation is merelyintended for convenience of description and is not intended in any wayto limit the scope of the present invention. Relative terms such as“lower,” “upper,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” “above,” “below,” “up,”“down,” “top” and “bottom” as well as derivatives thereof (e.g.,“horizontally,” “downwardly,” “upwardly,” etc.) should be construed torefer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawingunder discussion. These relative terms are for convenience ofdescription only and do not require that the apparatus be constructed oroperated in a particular orientation unless explicitly indicated assuch. Terms such as “attached,” “affixed,” “connected,” “coupled,”“interconnected,” and similar refer to a relationship wherein structuresare secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectlythrough intervening structures, as well as both movable or rigidattachments or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise.Moreover, the features and benefits of the invention are illustrated byreference to the exemplified embodiments. Accordingly, the inventionexpressly should not be limited to such exemplary embodimentsillustrating some possible non-limiting combination of features that mayexist alone or in other combinations of features; the scope of theinvention being defined by the claims appended hereto.

Referring to FIGS. 1-2 concurrently, a first embodiment of anover-the-door hanging apparatus 100 is illustrated. The over-the-doorhanging apparatus 100 generally comprises a frame 101, a flat article110 supported within the frame 100, first and second mounting plates120, 220 secured to a rear surface 103 of the frame 101, and a bracketassembly 150 to which the frame 101 is slidably mounted (as discussed ingreater detail below).

In the exemplified embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, the frame 101 is aperimeter-type frame comprising an outer edge 112 and an inner edge 113.The inner edge 113 forms a closed-geometry thereby defining a centralopening 114. A flat article 110, such as a mirror, is positioned andsupported within the central opening 114 according to known mountingtechniques. Although the invention will be described with reference tothe flat article 110 being a mirror, any other substantially flatarticle (or article with a substantially flat rear surface) can be usedin conjunction with the present invention, including artwork, diplomas,or the like. Furthermore, as used herein, the term “frame” is notlimited to a traditional perimeter-type frame having a central opening,but includes frames resembling a simple backer-board or plate that takesup the entire (or a portion of) rear surface area of the article to bemounted thereon. Preferably, however, the desired flat article isdisplayed by frame 101 so as to be visible to a user when theover-the-door hanging apparatus 100 is hung from a door as describedbelow.

The over-the-door hanging apparatus 100 comprises a first mounting plate120 and a second mounting plate 220 that are secured to the rear surface103 of the frame 101 on opposite lateral sides of a vertical centerlineA-A. The first and second mounting plates 120, 220 are secured to theframe 101 via screws 121, 221, respectively. Of course, other fastenersand fastening techniques can be used to secure the first and secondmounting plates 120, 220 to the frame, including without limitationbolts, nails, rivets, clamps, ties, slot-and-groove mating connections,snap-fit connections, and/or combinations thereof.

The over-the-door hanging apparatus 100 also comprises a bracketassembly 150 to which the frame 101 is detachably mounted. Morespecifically, the frame 101 is detachably mounted to the bracketassembly through a slidable mating between the first and second mountingplates 120, 220 and the hooks of the bracket assembly 150, which will bedescribed in great detail below. The frame 101 comprises a first channel130 and a second channel 230 (fully visible in FIG. 5). Only a bottomportion of the first and second channels 130, 230 is visible in FIGS. 1and 2.

In the exemplified embodiment, the over-the-door hanging apparatus 100comprises a perimeter-style frame 101, two mounting plates 120, 220 anda bracket assembly 150 that includes a first elongate bracket member 151and a second elongate bracket member 251. In this embodiment, the twomounting plates 120, 220 are attached to the frame 101 on opposite sidesof the vertical centerline A-A of the frame 101 while the first elongatemember 151 is slidably attached to the first mounting plate 120 and thesecond elongate member 251 is slidably attached to the second mountingplate 220. Of course, the invention is not so limited and theover-the-door hanging apparatus 100 may comprise only one mounting plateand one elongate bracket member connected to a central region of theframe 101. Alternatively, the over-the-door hanging apparatus 100 maycomprise greater than two mounting plates and a corresponding number ofelongate members of the bracket assembly to provide for a more secureconnection between the bracket assembly 150 and the frame 101. Moreover,while the first and second elongate bracket members 151, 251 areexemplified as separate structures, it is possible for theses members151, 251 to be formed as a single construct.

For purposes of referencing direction and orientation of the variouscomponents of the over-the-door hanging apparatus 100, it should benoted that relative terms such as top, bottom, left, right, lateral,proximal, distal, upward, outward, inward, vertical, horizontal, and thelike are used to delineate relative positions of the components of theinventive over-the-door hanging apparatus 100 with respect to oneanother and with respect to the vertical centerline A-A and are notintended to be in any further way limiting of the present invention.

Referring now to FIGS. 2, 3 a and 3 b concurrently, a detaileddescription of the bracket assembly 150 will be set forth. Thestructural details of the elongate bracket members 151, 252 will bediscussed herein with respect to the first elongate member 151 with theunderstanding that the same is applicable to the second elongate member251 in all respects.

The first elongate member 151 extends from a distal end 152 to aproximal end 153 and comprises a front surface 193 and an opposite rearsurface 194. The first elongate member 151 is preferably an integrallyformed structure formed by appropriately bending a flat strip offlexible metal, such as a sheet metal. Of course, other materials andformation techniques can be used, including the molding, milling and/orlathing of plastics, matrix materials, or any other material capable ofwithstanding the required load-bearing requirements. Moreover, while thefirst elongate member 151 of the bracket assembly 150 is preferablyflexible in nature, it may be constructed so as to be substantiallyrigid if desired.

A generally U-shaped bracket 158 is provided at a proximal end 153 ofthe first elongate member 151 and extends from the rear surface 194thereof for sliding over and engaging a top edge of a door. The U-shapedbracket 158 comprises a front portion 154, a top portion 155 and a backportion 156 that terminates with an angled flange 157. The front portion154 corresponds to a top portion of the elongate member 151 and itencompasses the proximal end 153 of the elongate member 151. The topportion 155 extends outward from the rear surface 194 of the elongatemember 151 at the proximal end 153 so as to form an approximately 90degree angle with the front portion 154 of the U-shaped bracket 158.Although the top portion 155 is described as extending at anapproximately 90 degree angle from the front portion 154 of the U-shapedbracket 158, it may extend at other angles if desired. The back portion156 of the U-shaped bracket 158 extends downwardly from the top portion155 at an approximately 90 degree angle with the top portion 155,thereby forming the U-shaped bracket 158 of the first elongate member151 of the bracket assembly 150. The angled flange 157 diverges slightlyoutward from the back portion 156 at an obtuse angle Θ in order tofacilitate placement of the U-shaped bracket 158 over a top edge of adoor as will be described below with reference to FIG. 8.

The U-shaped bracket 158 is preferably made of a flexible material sothat it can bend and more easily fit over doors with varying widths. Inother words, it is preferable that a user is able to extend the distancebetween the back portion 156 and the front portion 154 of the U-shapedbracket 158 by applying an outward force on the flange 157. The topportion 155 of the U-shaped bracket 158 is made wide enough toaccommodate a conventional door width which the inventive bracketassembly 150 is to be used. The thickness of the material, and hence itsflexibility, must be chosen so that the U-shaped bracket 158 issufficiently rigid to avoid deformation under the load of the flatarticle 110 and yet is thin enough to fit over the top of the doorwithout creating clearance problems with respect to the cap of the doorframe. In use, a user may grip and pull on the flange portion 157 of theU-shaped bracket 158 of the bracket assembly 150 in order to assist withthe attachment of the bracket assembly 150 to the top edge of a door aswill be described in detail below with reference to FIG. 11.

The first elongate member 151 further comprises a top hook 161 and abottom hook 162 near the distal end 152 of the elongate member 151. Thetop hook 161 and the bottom hook 162 collectively form a pair of hooksand are often referred to as such throughout this application. In theexemplified embodiment, the top and bottom hooks 161, 162 are integrallyformed with the first member 151. More specifically, the top and bottomhooks 161, 162 are preferably formed by punching an appropriate patternin the first elongate member 151 and subsequently bending the in-planetab out of plane and into the desired shape. As a result, apertures 163,164 (i.e. holes) are formed in the elongate member 151 behind the hooks161, 162. The apertures 163, 164 enable the elongate member 151 to bemanufactured with less material and also prevent the elongate member 151from prematurely deteriorating due to the friction of the mountingplates 120, 220 against the hooks 161, 162. Of course, the apertures163, 164 need not be included as a part of the elongate member 151 andthe hooks 161, 162 can be separate structures that are subsequentlywelded, fastened, clamped or otherwise connected to the first elongatemember 151.

The top and bottom hooks 161, 162 each extend outwardly from the frontsurface 193 of the elongate member 151 and upwardly toward the proximalend 153. The top hook 161 extends from a base 166 at which it connectsto the elongate member 151 to a distal end 192 at which it terminates.Similarly, the bottom hook 162 extends from a base 165 at which itconnects to the elongate member 151 to a distal end 191 at which itterminates. The top and bottom hooks 161, 162 are preferably in a linearvertical alignment with one another on the front surface 193 of theelongate member 151. The hooks 161, 162 each have a length which isequal to the distance from the bases 165, 166 to the distal ends 191,192 of the hooks 161, 162, respectively. The base 166 of the top hook161 is spaced a distance D1 from the base 165 of the bottom hook 162,the importance of which will become apparent from the description belowwith reference to FIGS. 4a and 4 b.

The top and bottom hooks 161, 162 are preferably S-shaped tabs. TheS-shape of the top and bottom hooks 161, 162 are preferred in order toaccomplish an efficient attachment between the bracket assembly 150 andthe mounting plates 120, 220 as will be described below. The invention,of course, is not limited by the shape of the hooks and other shapes maybe used as would be known to persons skilled in the art. For example,the top and bottom hooks 161, 162 could simply be straight tabsextending outwardly in an angled fashion from the bracket assembly 150for slidable mating with the edges of the mounting plates as describedbelow. Furthermore, it should be understood that the term hooks isintended to include any tab-type structure that may extend outwardlyfrom the bracket assembly 150 in a manner that affords slidable matingwith the edges of the mounting plates 120, 220 and is not intended to bein any other way limiting of the present invention.

Both of the top and bottom hooks 161, 162 extend outwardly and upwardlyfrom the front surface 193 of the elongate member 151 in a spaced partmanner so that slots 168, 169 are formed between the hooks 161, 162 andthe front surface 193 of the elongate member 151. Both of the slots 168,169 have an open top end 167, 197 that provides access into the slots168, 169 so that the edges of the mounting plates can be lowered intothe slots 168, 169 during mounting of the frame 101 to the bracketassembly 150, which will be described in greater below with reference toFIG. 6.

Referring now to FIGS. 4a and 4b , the details of the mounting plates120, 220 of the present invention will be described. Similarly to thedescription of the elongate members 151, 251 above, only the firstmounting plate 120 will be described in detail with the understandingthat the discussion is applicable to the second mounting plate 220.

The first mounting plate 120 is preferably a flat plate that can besecured to the frame 101 by any of the techniques described above. Thefirst mounting plate 120 comprises a plurality of screw holes 122 thatare sized and configured to receive a screw to facilitate the attachmentof the first mounting plate 120 to the frame 101. Although the firstmounting plate 120 is illustrated having three screw holes 122, theinvention is not so limited and the first mounting plate 120 may havemore or less than three screw holes 122 as desired. When attached to theframe 101, a rear surface (not shown) of the first mounting plate 120 isin surface contact with the rear surface 103 of the frame 101 by natureof their opposing flat surfaces.

The first mounting plate 120 is preferably a flat plate that issubstantially free of contour for the entirety of its major planarsurfaces. The first mounting plate 120 has an overall perimeter shapesuch that its cross-sectional area changes throughout its length. Thefirst mounting plate 120 has a bottom edge 125, a top edge 126 and twovertical sides that collectively form the perimeter of the firstmounting plate 120. The first mounting plate 120 also comprises avertical axis B-B that is substantially transverse to and intersects thebottom and top edges 125, 126 of the first mounting plate 120. A topsection 127 of the first mounting plate 120 extends from the top edge126 of the first mounting plate 120 to a transition point TP1. A middlesection 128 of the first mounting plate 120 extends from the transitionpoint TP1 to a transition point TP2. A bottom section 129 of the firstmounting plate 120 extends from the transition point TP2 to the bottomend 125 of the first mounting plate 120. The cross-sectional area of thetop section 127 of the first mounting plate 120 gradually decreases froma point 141 in the top section 127 to the transition point TP1. Themiddle section 128 of the first mounting plate 120, which extends fromthe transition point TP1 to the transition point TP2, has a constantcross-sectional area throughout its length. The cross-sectional area ofthe bottom section 129 of the first mounting plate 120 graduallyincreases from the transition point TP2 to a point 142. Thecross-sectional area of the first mounting plate 120 is again constantfrom the point 142 of the bottom section 129 of the first mounting plate120 to the bottom edge 125 of the first mounting plate 120. The shape ofthe first mounting plate 120 provides the first mounting plate 120 witha structural rigidity while using a minimized amount of materials inorder to reduce the costs in manufacturing.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first mounting plate 120 comprises atop aperture 123 and a bottom aperture 124. The top aperture 123 ispositioned partially within both of the top and middle sections 127, 128while the bottom aperture 124 is positioned within the bottom section129 only. Although the invention is described with a plate having twoapertures, the first mounting plate 120 may have only one aperture ormore than two apertures as would be understood by a person skilled inthe art. Furthermore, the apertures 123, 124 may be positioned on otherlocations on the first mounting plate 120 as desired. Using moreapertures will enable additional adjustability to the hanging height ofthe article as will be described below. The apertures 123, 124 in thefirst mounting plate 120 are preferably rectangular in shape, but maytake on any other shape as desired.

The top aperture 123 is defined by a closed-geometry edge that includesa top edge 145 and a bottom edge 143. Similarly, the bottom aperture 124is defined by a closed-geometry edge that includes a top edge 146 and abottom edge 144. The top edge 145 of the top aperture 123 is spaced adistance D2 from the top edge 146 of the bottom aperture 124, measuredalong the linear axis B-B. Similarly, the top edge 146 of the bottomaperture 124 is spaced a distance D3 from the bottom edge 125, measuredalong the axis B-B. The first mounting plate 120 is designed so that thedistance D2 is substantially equal to the distance D3. Furthermore, bothof these distances D2, D3 are also substantially equal to the distanceD1 between the hooks 161, 162 (discussed above with respect to FIGS. 3a,3b ). The importance of the edges 145, 146, 125, and the distances D1,D2, D3 will become apparent from the description below with reference toFIG. 5.

Referring now to FIG. 5, a portion of the over-the-door hangingapparatus 100 is illustrated in an exploded state. As can be seen, theframe 101 comprises has a first channel 130 formed into the rear surface103 on one side of the vertical centerline A-A of the frame 101 alongthe right lateral (another one of the channels is provided on theopposite side of the vertical centerline A-A). In the exemplifiedembodiment of FIG. 5, the channel 130 is illustrated as a segmentedchannel 130 comprising a first channel segment 131, a second channelsegment 132 and a third channel segment 133.

As noted above, FIG. 5 illustrates the channel 130 as comprising a firstchannel segment 131, a second channel segment 132 and a third channelsegment 133. However, more than three channel segments may be used asdesired for further adjustability in the hanging height of theover-the-door hanging apparatus 100 as will be described below.Furthermore, the frame 101 may be configured with less than threechannel segments and still be used as described below as would beunderstood by a person skilled in the art.

Each of the channel segments 131-133 of the channel 130 is a rectangularshaped depression formed into the frame 101. The channel segments131-133 of the channel 130 each form a groove or trough within the rearsurface 103 of the frame 101 that comprises a floor and, thus, do notextend through the entire thickness of the frame 101. However, inalternative embodiments, one or more of the channel segments 131-133 ofthe channel 130 may be through-holes in the sense that they could extendall the way through the thickness of the frame 101. Of course, thechannel segments 131-133 are contemplated as taking on any other shapes,including without limitation circles, triangles, trapezoids or the like.

Furthermore, while the channel 130 is exemplified as a segmentedchannel, the invention is not so limited and the channel 130 may be asingular continuous annular channel that extends around the entireperimeter of the rear surface 103 of the frame 101 or can be acontinuous channel that extends from below the bottom edge 125 of thefirst mounting plate 120 to above the top edge 145 of the top aperture123 of the first mounting plate 120. These alternative embodiments areshown in FIGS. 7-9 and will be described in greater detail below.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6 concurrently, the placement and attachment ofthe first mounting plate 120 to the rear surface 103 of the frame 101will be described. In FIGS. 5 and 6, only the first mounting plate 120is shown for clarity and ease of understanding. However, it is to beunderstood that the second mounting plate 220 is attached to the rearsurface 103 of the frame 101 in the same manner as the first mountingplate 120, except that the second mounting plate 220 is attached to theopposite side of the vertical centerline A-A of the frame 101 (FIG. 2)in cooperation with a second channel.

The first mounting plate 120 is secured to the rear surface 103 of theframe 101 so that the vertical axis B-B of the first mounting plate 120is coextensive with the elongated channel 130, which in the exemplifiedembodiment is substantially parallel with the vertical centerline A-A.The second mounting plate 220 is secured to the rear surface 103 of theframe 101 on the opposite side of a vertical centerline A-A of the frame101 in an identical orientation with respect to the second channel 230.

More specifically, the first mounting plate 120 is secured to the frame101 so that: (1) the first channel segment 131 extends from a positionbelow the bottom edge 125 of the first mounting plate 120 to a positionabove the bottom edge 125 of the first mounting plate 120; (2) thesecond channel segment 132 extends from a position below the top edge146 of the bottom aperture 124 of the first mounting plate 120 to aposition above the top edge 146 of the bottom aperture 124 of the firstmounting plate 120; and (3) the third channel segment 133 extends from aposition below the top edge 145 of the top aperture 123 of the firstmounting plate 120 to a position above the top edge 145 of the topaperture 124 of the first mounting plate 120. While not required, it maybe preferred that the first mounting plate 120 be secured to the frame101 so that further: (1) the bottom edge 144 of the bottom aperture 124is aligned with the top edge 146 of the bottom aperture 124 of the firstmounting plate 120; and (2) the bottom edge 143 of the top aperture 123of the first mounting plate 120 is aligned with the top edge 145 of thetop aperture 123 of the first mounting plate 120.

When the first mounting plate 120 is secured to the frame 101 in themanner described above, the top aperture 123 is aligned with the firstchannel segment 133 and forms a passageway through the first mountingplate 120 into the third channel segment 133. Similarly, the bottomaperture 124 is aligned with the second channel segment 132 and forms apassageway through the first mounting plate 120 into the second channelsegment 132. Moreover, the top edge 145 of the top aperture 123 extendstransversely across the third channel segment 133. The top edge 146 ofthe bottom aperture 124 extends transversely across the second channelsegment 132. The bottom edge 125 of the first mounting plate 120 extendstransversely across the first channel segment 131.

Referring solely now to FIG. 6, the first, second and third channelsegments 131-133 preferably extend above the bottom edge 125 of thefirst mounting plate 120, the top edge 146 of the bottom aperture 124,and the top edge 145 of the top aperture 123, respectively, by adistance that is at least equal to the length of the hooks 161, 162.This configuration provides sufficient space for the hooks 161, 162 tofit within the selected channel segments 131-133 when the frame 101 isslidably mounted to the bracket assembly 150 as will be discussed below.

Referring to FIGS. 2, 5 and 6 concurrently, the attachment of thebracket assembly 150 to the first and second mounting plates 120, 220will be described. The description will be provided with specificreference to the mating between the first mounting plate 120 and thefirst elongate member 151 of the bracket assembly 150. However, itshould be understood that the description is equally applicable to themating of the second mounting plate 220 with the second elongate member251.

After properly aligning the first mounting plate 120 as described above,the first mounting plate 120 is secured to the rear surface 103 of theframe 101 by extending the screws 121 through the screw holes 122 andthreadily engaging the frame. It is preferred that the first and secondmounting plates 120, 220 be preassembled (i.e., secured) to the frame101 during manufacturing. Thus, the user will be able to hang theapparatus 100 to a door without the need for any tools or excessivephysical strength. In other words, the user will purchase the productfully assembled with the exception that the bracket assembly 150 will beseparate from the first and second mounting plates 120, 220 and frame101. As such, the user will only need to slide the U-Shaped brackets ofthe bracket assembly 150 over the top edge of the door and then slidethe hooks 161, 162 of the bracket assembly into mating cooperation witheither: (1) the top edges 145, 146 of the apertures 123, 124; or (2) thetop edge 146 and the bottom edge 125.

By nature of having an option between sliding the hooks 161, 162 of thebracket assembly into mating cooperation with either: (1) the top edges145, 146 of the apertures 123, 124; or (2) the top edge 146 and thebottom edge 125, the inventive over-the-door hanging apparatus 100 hasan advantageous built-in hanging height adjustability. In other words,depending upon which of the channel segments 131-133 of the frame 101the top and bottom hooks 161, 162 are attached to, the hanging heightmay be altered. A more detailed description of how the inventiveover-the-door hanging apparatus 100 may be hung at a lower and/or ahigher position will be set forth below. It should be understood,however, that while the description will be set forth below in relationto the first elongate member 151 mating with the first mounting plate120 and the first channel 130, the same principles apply to the matingbetween the second elongate member 151, the second mounting plate 220,and the second channel 230.

When a lower hanging position is desired, such as is shown in FIG. 6,the first elongate member 151 of the bracket assembly 150 will beattached to the frame 101 by inserting the bottom hook 162 through thebottom aperture 124 in the first mounting plate 120 and the top hook 161through the top aperture 123 in the first mounting plate 120. Becausethe first mounting plate 120 is attached to the frame 101 so that thebottom aperture 124 is aligned with the second channel segment 132 andthe top aperture 123 is aligned with the third channel segment 133, thebottom hook 162 will be inserted into the second channel segment 132 ofthe frame 101 while the top hook 161 will be inserted into the thirdchannel segment 133 of the frame 101. Once sufficiently inserted throughthe apertures 123, 124 and into the second and third channel segments132, 133 of the frame 101, the frame 101 will be lowered (or theelongate member 151 will be raised) until the top edge 145 of the topaperture 123 of the first mounting plate 120 slides into the slot 168 ofthe top hook 161 and the top edge 146 of the bottom aperture 124 of thefirst mounting plate 120 slides into the slot 169 of the bottom hook162. When fully slid into the slots 168, 169, the base 165 of the bottomhook 162 will contact the top edge 146 of the bottom aperture 124 of thefirst mounting plate 120 and the base 166 of the top hook 161 willcontact the top edge 145 of the top aperture 123 of the first mountingplate 120.

As noted above, the second and third channel segments 132, 133 extendupwardly beyond the edges 145, 146 (in the direction of the verticalaxis A-A) and beneath the first mounting plate 120. This configurationenables the hooks 161, 162 of the bracket assembly 150 to extend intothe frame 101 so that a portion of the first mounting plate 120 issnugly disposed within each of the slots 168, 169.

Through this slidable mating, the hooks 161, 162 frictionally engage theportions of the first mounting plate 120 positioned within the slots168, 169 to prevent the frame 101 from becoming accidentally dislodgedfrom the bracket assembly 150. The frictional engagement is furtherfacilitated by the S-shape and resilient nature of the hooks 161, 162.Although the attachment is described as being a friction fit, theinvention is not so limited and the attachment may be described as apress fit, an interference fit or any other fit as would be known topersons skilled in the art. The attachment between the bracket assembly150 and the frame 101 will be enhanced when the U-shaped bracket 158 ofthe bracket assembly 150 is attached to a top edge of a door because theweight of the flat article 110 being hung will increase the tight natureof the fit between the hooks 161, 162 and the combined plate/frame120/101 apparatus.

The invention has been described with the bracket assembly 150 attachedto the second and third channel segments 133, 132 in the frame 101. Suchan attachment is used when the hanging height of the mirror or articleis desired to be a lower hanging height. As noted above, the hangingheight of the over-the-door hanging apparatus 100 is adjustable.Therefore, the mirror or other flat article 110 may be hung at a higherhanging height in the manner described below and as shown in FIG. 2.

When the first mounting plate 120 is secured to the frame 101, the firstchannel segment 131 in the frame 101 extends beyond the bottom edge 125of the first mounting plate 120 as illustrated in FIG. 2. Therefore,rather than attaching the bracket assembly 150 through the second andthird channel segments 133, 132 of the frame 101, the hooks 161, 162 ofthe bracket assembly 150 are attached to the second and first channelsegments 132, 131 of the frame 101, respectively. Specifically, thebottom hook 162 will be inserted into the first channel segment 131below the bottom edge 125 of the first mounting plate 120 while the tophook 161 will be inserted into the second channel segment 132 via thebottom aperture 124 of the first mounting.

Once sufficiently inserted into the first and second channel segments131, 132 of the frame 101, the frame 101 will be lowered (or theelongate member 151 will be raised) until the top edge 146 of the bottomaperture 124 of the first mounting plate 120 slides into the slot 168 ofthe top hook 161 and the bottom edge 146 of the first mounting plate 120slides into the slot 169 of the bottom hook 162. When fully slid intothe slots 168, 169, the base 165 of the bottom hook 162 will contact thetop edge 146 of the bottom aperture 124 of the first mounting plate 120and the base 166 of the top hook 161 will contact the bottom edge 125 ofthe first mounting plate 120.

As noted above, the first and second channel segments 131, 132 extendupwardly beyond the edges 146, 125 (in the direction of the verticalaxis A-A) and beneath the first mounting plate 120. This configurationenables the hooks 161, 162 of the bracket assembly 150 to extend intothe frame 101 so that a portion of the first mounting plate 120 issnugly disposed within each of the slots 168, 169. Thus, the samefrictional/interference fit is formed. With such an attachment, theapparatus 100 may be hung at a higher level on a door than previouslydescribed manner. Thus, the present invention provides an easy andefficient way for a user to adjust the hanging height of a mirror orother object without the need for tools or an excessive amount ofphysical force. The adjustable height mounting is achieved by designingthe distances D1, D2, D3 to be substantially equal.

Of course, the second elongate member 251 may be attached in the samemanner as described above except that the second elongate member 251 isattached to the second mounting plate 220 which is secured onto theframe 101 on the opposite side of the vertical centerline A-A. By usingthe first and second elongate members 151, 251, the flat article 110will be more securely hung from the top of the door.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8 concurrently, an alternative embodiment of aframe 301 to be used with an over-the-door hanging apparatus 300 will bedescribed. The components of the over-the-door hanging apparatus 300that are the same as the components described above with reference tothe over-the-door hanging apparatus 100 will be delineated by the samereference numerals except that the over-the-door hanging apparatus 300will use the 300- and 400-series of numbers rather than the 100- and200-series of numbers. Furthermore, only those aspects of theover-the-door hanging apparatus 300 that are different from theover-the-door hanging apparatus 100 described above will be describedbelow in detail. Therefore, all features of the over-the-door hangingapparatus 300 that are not described below should be interpreted asbeing identical to the corresponding component from the over-the-doorhanging apparatus 100 described above.

Specifically, rather than having a channel 130 comprising three distinctchannel segments 131-133 in the frame 101 that require time and effortin order to properly align the first and second mounting plates 120, 220as described above, the frame 301 may have a continuous channel 330along all four sides of the frame 301 so as to form an annular channelabout the perimeter of the frame 301. This embodiment is advantageous inthat it reduces the costs in manufacturing by reducing the amount ofmaterial needed to create the frame 301 and by reducing the timerequired to attach the first and second mounting plates 320, 420 to theframe 301.

In use, the first mounting plate 320 is aligned with the channel 330 sothat the channel 330 can be seen through the apertures 323, 324 in thefirst mounting plate 320. This embodiment nullifies the need to alignthe apertures 323, 324 of the first mounting plate 320 with the channel330 in a vertical direction and instead enables the first mounting plate320 to be attached to the frame 301 in a myriad of positions so long asthe channel 330 is visible and accessible through the apertures 323,324. Such an embodiment provides a significantly greater amount offlexibility to the hanging height of the flat article.

After the first mounting plate 320 (and preferably also the secondmounting plate 420) is secured to the frame, the hooks 361, 362 of thebracket assembly 350 are inserted through the apertures 323, 324 of thefirst mounting plate 320 in the same manner as described above. Theentire attachment procedure between the bracket assembly 350 and theframe 301 is identical to the attachment procedure described above withreference to the bracket assembly 150 and the frame 101. Essentially,the over-the-door hanging apparatus 300 is identical to theover-the-door hanging apparatus 100 except that instead of having asegmented channel 130 in the frame 101, there is one continuous channel330 in the frame 301 that forms a rectangular border around the entiretyof the frame 301. As can be seen the channel 330 still extends from aposition below to a position above each of the edges 345, 346, 325.

Referring to FIG. 9, another alternative embodiment of the channel inthe frame will be described. This embodiment comprises a continuouschannel 530 that is not segmented and that does not form a border aroundthe frame 101. Rather, the channel 530 only extends from a positionbelow the bottom edge 147 of the first mounting plate 120 to a positionabove the top edge 145 of the top aperture 123 of the first mountingplate 120. In such an embodiment, a second channel (not shown) which isidentical to the channel 530 will be located on the opposite lateralside of the frame 101, thereby forming a mirror image.

Referring to FIG. 10, an alternative embodiment for a mounting platewill be described. The first and second mounting plates 120, 220 mayeach comprise a first plate segment 621, 721, a second plate segment622, 722 and a third plate segment 623, 723. This embodiment will befurther described only with reference to the first mounting plate 120.It should be understood that the second mounting plate 220 will havefeatures and components that are identical to the first mounting plate120.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 10, a bottom edge 625 of the thirdplate segment 623 serves an identical purpose to the bottom edge 125 ofthe first mounting plate 120 described above. Furthermore, a bottom edge646 of the second plate segment 622 serves an identical purpose to thetop edge 146 of the bottom aperture 124 of the first mounting plate 120.Further still, a bottom edge 645 of the first plate segment 621 servesan identical purpose to the top edge 145 of the top aperture 123 of thefirst mounting plate 120. It should be understood to a person skilled inthe art that the inventive over-the-door hanging apparatus 100 wouldoperate in the same exact manner with the three plate segment 621, 622,623 embodiment as it would with the mounting plate 120 as describedabove. In other words, the bracket assembly 150 will be attached to theembodiment illustrated in FIG. 10 in the same manner as was describedabove.

Referring to FIG. 11, the mirror 110 or other article is illustratedhanging from a top edge 171 of a door 170. In the illustratedembodiment, the mirror or other flat article 110 is attached to thebracket assembly 150 which comprises the first elongate member 151 andthe second elongate member 251 on opposite lateral sides of the rearsurface (not shown) of the flat article 110. The U-shaped brackets 158,258 of the elongate members 151, 251 of the bracket assembly 150 areattached to the top edge 171 of the door 170 so that the flat article110 is hung therefrom. When the flat article 110 is a mirror, it is hungso that the reflective front surface 111 is visible and the rear surface(not shown) is in surface contact with the door 170. It should beunderstood that any of the various types of channels and mounting platesmay be used with the inventive over-the-door hanging apparatus in manydifferent combinations. For example, the three plate segment 621, 622,623 mounting plate may be used with the segmented channels 131, 132, 133or with the elongated channel 530 or with the border/annular channel330. Similarly, the first and second mounting plates 120, 220 may alsobe used with any of the above mentioned channel configurations.

In alternative embodiments of the invention, which are not illustrated,the frame 100 may not include channels 130, 230 in its rear surface 101.In such embodiments, the first and second mounting plates 120, 220 (orthe segments thereof) would be placed over planar sections of the rearsurface 101 of the frame 100 and be designed so that the hooks 161-162,191-292 could be slid/inserted between a raised portion of the mountingplates 120, 220 and the planar sections of the rear surface 101. Thiscould be accomplished by forming the first, second and/or third edges125, 145, 146 to include a raised portion that protrudes from the rearsurface 101 of the frame 100, thereby forming a nesting space/gapbetween the rear surface 101 of the frame 100 and the rear surfaces ofthe mounting plates 120, 220 (or the segments thereof). For example, themounting plates 120, 220 (or the segments thereof) could be formed in toresemble one half of a C-clamp and/or a V-clamp. In another example, asmall section of the first, second and/or third edges 125, 145, 146could be bent out of plane with the remaining sections of the mountingplates 120, 220 (or the segments thereof) that are coupled to the frame100. Finally, any of the foregoing details described above with respectto FIGS. 1-11 could be utilized with such an alternative embodiment.

In a still further embodiment of the invention, shown in FIGS. 12-17B,the frame 801 may be designed so that the channels 130, 230 are omitted.In such an embodiment, the bracket assembly 850 comprises a firstelongate member 851 and a second elongate member 951 that are slidablyattached to mounting plates 820, 920 respectively. In this embodiment,the first and second mounting plates 820, 920 are placed over planarsections of the rear surface 803 of the frame 801. To avoid redundancy,only the first mounting plate 820, along with its cooperation with thefirst elongate member 851, is described in detail herein with theunderstanding that the second mounting plate 920, and its coupling tothe second elongate member 951, is identical.

As best shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B, the first mounting plate 820generally comprises a plurality of planar portions 875A-C and aplurality of raised portions 848A-C. The plurality of planar portions875A-C are substantially coplanar with one another. Similarly, theplurality of raised portions 848A-C are substantially coplanar with oneanother. The plurality of raised portions 848A-C are offset from and notcoplanar with the plurality of planar portions 875A-C. The plurality ofraised portions 848A-C and the plurality of planar portions 875A-C arearranged in an alternating manner and are interconnect to one another.

The first mounting plate 820 is designed so that the hooks 861-863 (orflanged bosses, rivets, screws or bolts in other embodiments) of thefirst elongate member 851 may be slidably inserted between the raisedportions 848A-C of the first mounting plate 820 and the planar sectionsof the rear surface 801 of the frame 801, respectively.

The first mounting plate 820 further comprises a first aperture 823, asecond aperture 824, and a multi-width aperture 830 that are formed inthe raised portions 848A-C of the first mounting plate 820 respectively.The multi-width aperture 830 is divided into a nesting section 832 and areceiving section 831. The nesting section 832 extends vertically fromthe receiving section 831 and is narrowed relative to the receivingsection 831. Stated simply, the nesting section 832 has a width that isless than the width of the receiving section 831. While the multi-widthaperture is exemplified as having stepped width, in other embodimentsthe width may simply taper such that the multi-width slot resembles aV-shape.

The multi-width aperture 830 terminates in a top edge 847. Asexemplified, the top edge 847 is curved to accommodate the shaft of ascrew but can be linear in other embodiments. The receiving section 831is sized such that it will permit the head of a screw, flanged fastener,bolt, or rivet to pass therethrough. The receiving section 831 of themulti-width aperture 830 may have a semi-circular shape or may beconstructed in any shape that permits the passage of a flanged portionof fastener (such as the head of a screw or the head of a flangedfastener).

The multi-width aperture 830 has a bottom edge 834 that is located on ornear the planar portion 875A of the first mounting plate 820 tofacilitate insertion of the screw head into the screw aperture 830. Thenesting section 832 is sized such that the head of the screw may notpass through the slot section 832. This allows the multi-width aperture830 of the first mounting plate 820 to be aligned with a protrudingscrew such that the screw head can be slid into the receiving section831. Then, upon the first mounting plate 820 being slid downward, thescrew body passes into the nesting section 832 and the screw head istrapped between the raised portion 848A of the first mounting plate 820and the rear surface of the frame 801, thereby facilitating mounting toa door or other vertical surface.

Each of the first aperture and second aperture 823, 824 have a top edge845, 846 respectively. The top edge 845 of the first aperture 823 islocated on the raised portion 848B while the top edge 846 of the secondaperture 824 is located on the raised portion 848C. The first and secondapertures 823, 824 also have bottom edges 843, 844, respectively. Thebottom edge 843 of the first aperture 823 is located on the planarportion 875B while the bottom edge 844 of the second aperture 824 islocated on the planar portion 875C. As will be discussed below withrespect to FIG. 17A, the hooks 861-863 are slidably inserted into theapertures 823, 824, 830 and engage the top edges 845-847 of the firstmounting plate 820.

The first mounting plate 820 further includes a plurality of fastenerholes 822 which are sized and configured to receive a screw (or otherfastener) to facilitate fixed attachment of the first mounting plate 820to the rear surface 803 of the frame 801. Although the first mountingplate 820 is illustrated as having three fastener holes 822, theinvention is not so limited and the first mounting plate 820 may havemore or less than three fastener holes 822 as desired. When attached tothe frame 801, the planar portions 875A-C are in surface contact withthe rear surface 803 of the frame 801.

As can be best seen in FIGS. 12 and 17A, the over-the-door apparatus 800may be hung from a door by using the first and second elongate members851, 951. The first and second elongate members 851, 951 are slid overthe top edge of the door as described above for the embodiments of FIGS.1-10. The first and second mounting plates 820, 920, which are coupledto the frame 801, are then slidably mounted to the first and secondelongate members 851, 951, respectively, as discussed in greater detailbelow.

To avoid redundancy, only the mounting of the first elongate member 851to the first mounting plate 820 is described in detail herein with theunderstanding that the second elongate member 951 and the secondmounting plate 920 are identical. In order to slidably mount the firstelongate member 851 to the first mounting plate 820, the hooks 861-863are inserted through the multi-width aperture 830, the first aperture823, and the second aperture 824. The hook 861 is inserted through themulti-width aperture 830, the hook 862 is inserted through the firstaperture 823, and the hook 863 is inserted through the second aperture824. The elongate member 851 is then slid upward until the hooks 861-863fully engage the top edges 847, 845, 846 respectively.

Instead of inserting hooks 861-863 through apertures 830, 823, and 824,the hook 861 may be inserted through the first aperture 823 and the hook862 may be inserted through the second aperture 824. Alternately, hook862 may be inserted through the multi-width aperture 830 and hook 863may be inserted through the first aperture 823. In yet other mountingcombinations, the hook 861 may be inserted through the second aperture824. Further, the hook 863 may be inserted through the multi-widthaperture 830. By inserting different hooks 861-863 through differentapertures 830, 823, 824, adjustments in height may be obtained. Inalternate embodiments, there may be more than three hooks 861-863 orapertures 830, 823, 824 or there may be fewer than three hooks 861-863or apertures 830, 823, 824. The number of hooks 861-863 and the numberof apertures 830, 823, 824 need not be equal. In yet other embodiments,the first and second apertures 823, 824 may have the same shape as themulti-width aperture 830.

In an alternate mounting best shown in FIG. 17B, the frame 801 is hungby installing a screw 849 into a door 870. To avoid redundancy, only thefirst mounting plate 820 is disclosed, with the second mounting plate920 being identical. Instead of a door 870, the first mounting plate 820may be mounted to any other vertical surface, such as a wall. As withother embodiments, the first mounting plate 820 is installed to theframe 801 via screws 821, and then the head of the screw 849 is insertedinto the multi-width aperture 830 and slid upward until the shaft of thescrew 849 contacts the top edge 847 of the multi-width aperture 830.This permits flexible mounting of the frame 801 without requiring theuse of the first and second elongate members 851, 951. Multiple screws849 may be used, and the first mounting plate 820 may be designed toaccommodate multiple screw apertures 830 as desired.

FIGS. 18A and 18B disclose an alternate embodiment of the first elongatemember 851A, with three flanged fasteners 881-883 in place of hooks861-863. The elongate member 851A is identical to the embodimentsdisclosed in FIGS. 12-17B excepting those features explicitly described.The second elongate member is also identical to the first elongatemember 851A disclosed in this embodiment. The flanged fasteners 881-883each have a post portion 886 and a flange portion 888. The flangedfasteners engage multi-width apertures 891-893 as will be discussed infurther detail below.

FIGS. 19A and 19B disclose an alternate embodiment of the first mountingplate 820A. The first mounting plate 820A has three multi-widthapertures 891-893. The first mounting plate 820A is identical to theembodiment disclosed in FIGS. 12-17B excepting those features explicitlydescribed. The second mounting plate is also identical to the firstmounting plate 820A disclosed in this embodiment.

Turning to FIG. 20, the flanged fasteners 881-883 are shown engaged withthe multi-width apertures 891-893. The flanged fasteners 881-883 areinserted into the multi-width apertures 891-893 and slidably engagedsuch that the post portion 886 of the flanged fasteners 881-883 mateswith the nesting section of the corresponding multi-width apertures891-893. The flange portion 888 of the flanged fasteners 881-883prevents the flanged fasteners 881-883 from withdrawing from themulti-width apertures 891-893 unless the first mounting plate 820A isslid upward with respect to the first elongate member 851A to releasethe flanged fasteners 881-883. Alternate embodiments of the flangedfasteners 881-883 may be bolts, rivets, screws, or other fastenershaving a flange and post portion which permit engagement with thenesting portion of the multi-width apertures 891-893.

In yet other embodiments, the hooks, flanged fasteners, bolts, rivets,or screws of the first and second elongate members as shown anddescribed in the preceding embodiments may be substituted for theapertures of the first and second mounting plates of the precedingembodiments. Likewise, the apertures of the first and second mountingplates may be substituted for the hooks, flanged fasteners, etc. of thefirst and second elongate members. Thus, the mounting features may bereversed to permit the mounting plates to have hooks or flangedfasteners which engage apertures of the elongate members.

Referring now to FIGS. 21A and 21B, an over-the-door hanging apparatus1000 will be described in accordance with yet another embodiment of thepresent invention. FIGS. 21A and 21B only illustrate a portion of theover-the-door hanging apparatus 1000 showing the coupling components onone side thereof, it being understood that the opposite side thereof mayhave identical components and an identical structure. Thus, theconfiguration shown, for example, in FIGS. 1 and 2 is applicable to thisembodiment except that the structure of the mounting components isdifferent in this embodiment as will be described herein below.

The over-the-door hanging apparatus 1000 comprises a support structure1001 having a rear surface 1002. In certain embodiments a mirror iscoupled to the support structure 1001. However, the invention is not tobe limited to a mirror being coupled to the support structure 1001 inall embodiments and other articles may be coupled to the supportstructure 1001 in other embodiments as described herein above. Themirror (or other article) is not illustrated in FIGS. 21A and 21B, butthe description above regarding the coupling of the mirror may beapplicable. In certain embodiments, the support structure 1001 may havethe rear surface 1002 and an opposite front surface, and the mirror maybe coupled to the front surface. The mirror may be directly orindirectly coupled to the front surface. For example, in someembodiments the mirror may be coupled to a door that is hingedly coupledto the front surface of the support structure 1001 similar toconventional cabinets such as medicine cabinets or other storagecabinets with a mirrored door.

The over-the-door hanging apparatus 1000 also comprises a first elongatemember 1003 and a second elongate member (not illustrated) and a firstpair of mounting elements 1004 and a second pair of mounting elements(not illustrated). Specifically, the first pair of mounting elements1004 is secured to the rear surface 1002 of the support structure 1001on a first side of a vertical centerline of the support structure 1000and the second pair of mounting elements (not illustrated) is secured tothe rear surface 1002 of the support structure 1001 on a second side ofthe vertical centerline of the support structure 100 that is oppositethe first side. Because only one side of the over-the-door hangingapparatus 1000 is illustrated, only one of the elongate members and oneof the pairs of mounting elements is illustrated. However, it should beappreciated that a second elongate member that is identical in structureto the first elongate member 1003 and a second pair of mounting elementsthat is identical in structure to the first pair of mounting elements1004 are also included as a part of the over-the-door hanging apparatus1000 similar to that which has been described in the previousembodiments.

The first pair of mounting elements 1004 (and also the second pair ofmounting elements) is secured to the rear surface 1002 of the supportstructure 1001. The details of the first pair of mounting elements 1004described below are applicable to the second pair of mounting elementsthat are not illustrated in the exemplified embodiment. In theexemplified embodiment, the first pair of mounting elements 1004comprises a first mounting element 1005 and a second mounting element1006. More specifically, in this embodiment the first mounting element1005 is a first set screw that is screwed into the rear surface 1002 ofthe support structure 1001 and the second mounting element 1006 is asecond set screw that is screwed into the rear surface 1002 of thesupport structure 1001. Of course, the first and second mountingelements 1005, 1006 may be other types of fasteners, including nails,rivets, bolts, pins, barbs, or the like (see, for example, FIG. 26 andthe related description below). The first and second mounting elements1005, 1006 may be secured to the rear surface 1002 of the supportstructure 1001 and then the first elongate member 1003 secured to thefirst and second mounting elements 1005, 1006 or the first elongatemember 1003 may be placed adjacent/into contact with the rear surface1002 of the support structure 1001 and then the first and secondmounting elements 1005, 1006 used to couple the first elongate member1003 to the support structure 1001. Thus, the first and second pairs ofmounting elements 1004 may be secured to the rear surface 1002 of thesupport structure 1001 by the factory during manufacturing or by theuser during assembly after purchase.

The first elongate member 1003 will be described below, it beingunderstood that the same description is applicable to the secondelongate member although it is not specifically illustrated in thefigures for this particular embodiment. The first elongate member 1003extends from a distal end 1007 to a proximal end 1008 and comprises afirst surface 1009 and an opposite second surface 1010. The firstelongate member 1003 comprises a plurality of mounting elements 1011 formounting the first elongate member 1003 to the support structure 1001,and more specifically to the first pair of mounting elements 1004. Thefirst elongate member 1003 also comprises a first bracket 1012 forengaging a top edge of a door as has been described above.

In the exemplified embodiment, the plurality of mounting elements 1011comprises four separate multi-width apertures 1011 a-d formed into thefirst elongate member 1003 in a vertically spaced apart manner. Themulti-width apertures 1011 a-d comprise a larger width portion thatpermits the head/flange of the first and second mounting elements 1005,1006 of the first pair of mounting elements 1004 to pass therethroughand a smaller width portion that prevents the head of the first andsecond mounting elements 1005, 1006 of the first pair of mountingelements 1004 from passing therethrough. The smaller width portions ofthe multi-width apertures 1011 a-d permit the stem portions of the firstand second mounting elements 1005, 1006 of the first pair of mountingelements 1004 to pass therethrough.

Thus, referring collectively to FIGS. 21A and 21B, the first elongatemember 1003 can be coupled to the first pair of mounting elements 1004by inserting the heads of the first and second mounting elements 1005,1006 of the first pair of mounting elements 1004 (which may be setscrews or other fasteners as described above) through the larger widthportion of two of the multi-width apertures 1011 a, 1011 b and thensliding the first elongate member 1003 relative to the support structure1001 so that the stem portions of the first and second mounting elements1005, 1006 of the first pair of mounting elements 1004 (which may be setscrews or other fasteners as described above) enter into the smallerwidth portion of the multi-width apertures 1011 a, 1011 b. This preventsthe first elongate member 1003 from being separated from the first pairof mounting elements 1004 unless the installation process including thesliding movement noted above is reversed.

Thus, the first and second elongate members 1003 are separate componentsfrom the support structure 1001. The first and second pairs of mountingelements 1004 are coupled to the rear surface 1002 of the supportstructure 1001 before the first and second elongate members 1003 aremounted to the support structure 1001. Specifically, the first andsecond elongate members 1003 are configured to be mounted to the supportstructure 1001 via engagement between the mounting elements 1011 of thefirst and second elongate members 1003 and the first and second pairs ofmounting elements 1004.

Referring now to FIGS. 22A-22C, another embodiment of an over-the-doorhanging apparatus 1100 will be described. The over-the-door hangingapparatus 1100 generally comprises a support structure 1101 having arear surface 1102, first and second elongate members 1103 (only thefirst elongate member is illustrated), and first and second pairs ofmounting elements 1104 (only the first pair of mounting elements isillustrated). Similar to the embodiments described above, a mirror orother flat article may be coupled to the support structure 1101. As withthe previously described embodiment of FIGS. 21A-21B, in this embodimentonly one side of the apparatus 1100 and thus only one of the elongatemembers 1103 and one of the pairs of mounting elements 1104 isillustrated. However, it should be appreciated that a second elongatemember and a second pair of mounting elements that are identical to thefirst elongate member 1103 and the first pair of mounting elements 1104is provided on the opposite side of the over-the-door hanging apparatus1100. In certain embodiments, the first pair of mounting elements 1104and the second pair of mounting elements are located on opposite sidesof a vertical centerline of the support structure 1101 as describedabove.

The first pair of mounting elements 1104 (and also the second pair ofmounting elements) is secured to the rear surface 1102 of the supportstructure 1101. The details of the first pair of mounting elements 1104described below are applicable to the second pair of mounting elements.In the exemplified embodiment, the first pair of mounting elements 1104comprises a first mounting element 1105 and a second mounting element1106. The first and second mounting elements 1105, 1106 of the firstpair of mounting elements 1104 are vertically aligned and spaced apartfrom one another. In the exemplified embodiment, the first mountingelement 1105 is a D-ring located on the rear surface 1102 of the supportstructure 1101 and the second mounting element 1106 is a set screw thatis screwed into the rear surface 1102 of the support structure 1101. TheD-ring may be coupled to the rear surface 1102 of the support structure1101 via a bracket or plate member 1115. The set screw may be replacedwith other fasteners such as those described above with reference toFIGS. 21A and 21B. In certain embodiments, the apparatus 1100 may onlyinclude the first mounting element 1105 and not also the second mountingelement 1106, and thus the second mounting element 1106 (i.e., the setscrew or equivalent) may be omitted in some embodiments. Although thesecond pair of mounting elements is not illustrated in the drawings, insome embodiments the first mounting element 1105 of the first pair ofmounting elements 1104 is horizontally aligned with the first mountingelement of the second pair of mounting elements and the second mountingelement 1106 of the first pair of mounting elements 1104 is horizontallyaligned with the second mounting element of the second pair of mountingelements.

The first elongate member 1103 extends from a proximal end 1107 to adistal end 1108 and comprises a first surface 1109 and an oppositesecond surface 1110. The first elongate member 1103 comprises aplurality of mounting elements 1111 for mounting to the supportstructure 1101 (and more specifically for mounting to the first pair ofmounting elements 1104) and a first bracket 1112 for engaging a top edgeof a door. The first bracket 1112 is located at the distal end 1108 ofthe first elongate member 1103. In the exemplified embodiment, theplurality of mounting elements 1111 extend from the first surface 1109of the first elongate member 1103 and the first bracket 1112 extendsfrom the second surface 1110 of the first elongate member 1103.

In the exemplified embodiment, the plurality of mounting elements 1111comprises a first mounting element 1111 a, a second mounting element1111 b, a third mounting element 1111 c, a fourth mounting element 1111d, and a fifth mounting element 1111 e. However, the number of themounting elements 1111 is not to be limiting of the present invention inall embodiments and there may be more or less than that which is shownin the appended drawings. In the exemplified embodiment, each of thefirst through fourth mounting elements 1111 a-d is a protrusion or hookthat extends from the first surface 1109 of the first elongate member1103 and the fifth mounting element 1111 e is an aperture, and morespecifically a multi-width aperture, that is formed through the firstelongate member 1103.

In the exemplified embodiment, the fifth mounting element 1111 e isformed into the main portion of the first elongate member 1103. However,in other embodiments the fifth mounting element 1111 e may be anaperture that is formed into one of the first through fourth mountingelements 1111 a-d. For example, the first elongate member 1103 maycomprise the first mounting element 1111 a, but it may be elongatedrelative to that which is illustrated so that it extends furthervertically along the first elongate member 1103. In some embodiments,the aperture of the fifth mounting element 1111 e may be formed into thefirst mounting element 1111 a.

In the exemplified embodiment, the first mounting element 1111 a islocated at the proximal end 1107 of the first elongate member 1103.Furthermore, in the exemplified embodiment the fifth mounting element1111 e is located between the first mounting element 1111 a and theproximal end 1108 of the first elongate member 1103. In someembodiments, the plurality of mounting elements 1111 may comprise onlythe first mounting element 1111 a and the fifth mounting element 1111 e.It should be appreciated that the use of the terms “first,” “second,”“third,” and so on is merely intended to distinguish between thedifferent mounting elements and is not otherwise intended to limit thescope of the application or claims. Thus, the phrase “first mountingelement,” “second mounting element,” etc. in the claims may refer to anyof the mounting elements 1111 a-e described herein.

Referring to FIGS. 22A and 22C, the coupling of the first elongatemember 1103 to the support structure 1101 via the first pair of mountingelements 1104 will be described, it being understood that this samedescription is applicable to the coupling of the second elongate memberto the support structure 1101 via the second pair of mounting elements.The first elongate member 1103 is positioned adjacent the rear surface1102 of the support structure 1101 so that the first mounting element1111 a of the first elongate member 1103 is aligned with the firstmounting element 1105 of the first pair of mounting elements 1104 andthe fifth mounting element 1111 e of the first elongate member 1103 isaligned with the second mounting element 1106 of the first pair ofmounting elements 1104. Of course, any one of the first through fourthmounting elements 1111 a-d of the first elongate member 1103 may bealigned with the first mounting element 1105 depending on the desiredhanging height of the over-the-door hanging apparatus 1100. Thepositioning/location of the second mounting element 1106 of the firstpair of mounting elements 1104 may simply need to be changed to ensurethat it is aligned with the fifth mounting element 1111 e of the firstelongate member 1103 depending on which of the first through fourthmounting elements 1111 a-d of the first elongate member 1103 is to becoupled to the first mounting element 1105 of the first pair of mountingelements 1104. In some embodiments the second through fourth mountingelements 1111 b-d may be omitted so that there is only the firstmounting element 1111 a and the fifth mounting element 1111 e and noadjustability in the hanging height of the over-the-door hangingapparatus 1100.

Once aligned as described herein, the first mounting element 1111 a ofthe first elongate member 1103 is engaged with the first mountingelement 1105 such that the D-ring becomes positioned within a spacebetween the first mounting element 1111 a and the first surface 1109 ofthe first elongate member 1103. Simultaneously, the second mountingelement 1106 enters into the larger width portion of the second mountingelement 1106 of the first elongate member 1103. Next, the first elongatemember 1103 is slid upwardly/vertically so that the second mountingelement 1106 enters into the smaller width portion of the secondmounting element 1106 and the D-ring becomes hooked onto/engaged withthe first mounting element 1111 a. This dual mount system preventssubstantial movement of the first elongate member 1103 relative to thesupport structure 1101.

Referring to FIGS. 23A-23D, another embodiment of an over-the-doorhanging apparatus 1200 will be described. The over-the-door hangingapparatus 1200 generally comprises a support structure 1201 having arear surface 1202, first and second elongate members 1203 (only thefirst elongate member is illustrated, it being understood that thesecond elongate member is identical thereto), and first and second pairsof mounting elements 1204 (only the first pair of mounting elements isillustrated, it being understood that the second pair of mountingelements is identical but positioned on the opposite side of the supportstructure 1201 as has been discussed in the previous embodiments). Aswith the embodiments above with regard to FIGS. 21A-21B and 22A-22C,FIGS. 23A-23D only illustrate a portion of the over-the-door hangingapparatus 1200 sufficient to show the mount system for mounting thefirst and second elongate members 1203 to the support structure 1201 viathe first and second pairs of mounting elements 1204.

As with the previously described embodiments, the first pair of mountingelements 1204 is coupled or secured to the rear surface 1202 of thesupport structure 1201. In this embodiment, the first pair of mountingelements 1204 comprises a first mounting element 1205 and a secondmounting element 1206. In the exemplified embodiment, the first andsecond mounting elements 1205, 1206 are illustrated as separate anddistinct elements. However, the invention is not to be so limited andthe first and second mounting elements 1205, 1206 may be formed into asingle mounting plate that is coupled to the rear surface 1202 of thesupport structure 1201. Each of the first and second mounting elements1205, 1206 comprises a curved channel 1215.

The first elongate member 1203 extends from a distal end 1207 to aproximal end 1208 and comprises a first surface 1209 and an oppositesecond surface 1210. The first elongate member 1204 comprises first andsecond mounting elements 1211 a, 1211 b extending from the first surface1209 and a first bracket 1212 extending from the second surface 1210.The first and second mounting elements 1211 a, 1211 b are hooks that areconfigured to cooperate with the first and second mounting elements1205, 1206 of the first pair of mounting elements 1204 to mount thefirst elongate member 1203 to the support structure 1201. In theexemplified embodiment, the first mounting element 1211 a is a hook thatextends outwardly and downwardly towards the distal end 1207 of thefirst elongate member 1203 and the second mounting element 1206 is ahook that extends outwardly and upwardly towards the proximal end 1208of the first elongate member 1203. However, the invention is not to beso limited in all embodiments and both of the first and second mountingelements 1211 a, 1211 b of the first elongate member 1203 may extendoutwardly and upwardly towards the proximal end 1208 in otherembodiments. The first bracket 1212 is configured to engage a top edgeof a door to support the over-the-door hanging apparatus 1200 from thedoor.

FIGS. 23C and 23D illustrate the manner of mounting the first elongatemember 1203 to the support structure 1201 via the first and secondmounting elements 1205, 1206 of the first pair of mounting elements1204. The first elongate member 1203 is positioned adjacent to the firstand second mounting elements 1205, 1206 of the first pair of mountingelements 1204 so that the first and second mounting elements 1211 a,1211 b of the first elongate member 1203 are aligned with openings intothe channels 1215 of the first and second mounting elements 1205, 1206of the first pair of mounting elements 1204. Next, the first elongatemember 1203 is rotated about an axis that is perpendicular to the firstand second surfaces 1209, 1210 of the first elongate member 1203 so thatthe first mounting element 1211 a of the first elongate member 1203enters into the channel 1215 of the first mounting element 1205 and thesecond mounting element 1211 b of the first elongate member 1203 entersinto the channel 1215 of the second mounting element 1206. Thus, themain difference between this embodiment and those that were previouslydescribed is that the coupling is achieved via a rotational movement ofthe first elongate member 1203 relative to the support structure 1201.The same rotational technique is used for mounting the second elongatemember to the second pair of mounting elements.

Referring to FIGS. 24A-24C concurrently, another embodiment of anover-the-door hanging apparatus 1300 will be described. Theover-the-door hanging apparatus 1300 generally comprises a supportstructure 1301 having a rear surface 1302, first and second elongatemembers 1303, 1313, and first and second pairs of mounting elements1304, 1314. As with the embodiments above with regard to FIGS. 21A-21B,22A-22C, and 23A-23D, FIGS. 24A-2 dC only illustrate a portion of theover-the-door hanging apparatus 1300 sufficient to show the mount systemfor mounting the first and second elongate members 1303, 1313 to thesupport structure 1301 via the first and second pairs of mountingelements 1304, 1314.

As with the previously described embodiments, the first and second pairsof mounting elements 1304, 1314 are coupled or secured to the rearsurface 1302 of the support structure 1301 on opposite sides of avertical centerline of the support structure 1301. In this embodiment,the first pair of mounting elements 1304 comprises a first mountingelement 1305 and a second mounting element 1306 and the second pair ofmounting elements 1314 comprises a first mounting element 1315 and asecond mounting element 1316. In the exemplified embodiment, the firstand second mounting elements 1305, 1306 of the first pair of mountingelements 1304 are positioned on a single plate and the first and secondmounting elements 1315, 1316 of the first pair of mounting elements 1314are positioned on a single plate. However, the invention is not to belimited in this regard in all embodiments.

The first elongate member 1303 extends from a distal end 1307 to aproximal end 1308 and comprises a first surface 1309 and an oppositesecond surface 1310. The first elongate member 1304 comprises first andsecond mounting elements 1311 a, 1311 b extending from the first surface1309 and a first bracket 1312 extending from the second surface 1310. Ofcourse, more than two mounting elements may extend from the firstsurface 1309 of the first elongate member 1304 in other embodiments. Inthe exemplified embodiment, the first and second mounting elements 1311a, 1311 b are hooks that are configured to cooperate with the first andsecond mounting elements 1305, 1306 of the first pair of mountingelements 1304 to mount the first elongate member 1303 to the supportstructure 1301. In the exemplified embodiment, each of the first andsecond mounting elements 1311 a, 1311 b extends outwardly and upwardlytowards the proximal end 1308 of the first elongate member 1303. Thesecond elongate member 1313 extends from a distal end 1317 to a proximalend 1318 and comprises a first surface 1319 and an opposite secondsurface 1320. The second elongate member 1314 comprises first and secondmounting elements 1321 a, 1321 b extending from the first surface 1319and a second bracket 1322 extending from the second surface 1320. Thefirst and second mounting elements 1321 a, 1321 b are hooks that areconfigured to cooperate with the first and second mounting elements1315, 1316 of the second pair of mounting elements 1314 to mount thesecond elongate member 1313 to the support structure 1301. In theexemplified embodiment, each of the first and second mounting elements1321 a, 1321 b extends outwardly and upwardly towards the proximal end1308 of the first elongate member 1303. The first and second brackets1312, 1322 are configured to engage a top edge of a door to support theover-the-door hanging apparatus 1300 from the door.

The first pair of mounting elements 1304, and specifically the first andsecond mounting elements 1305, 1306 of the first pair of mountingelements 1304, will now be described, it being understood that the samedescription applies to the second pair of mounting elements 1314. In theexemplified embodiment, the first pair of mounting elements 1304 isformed into a plate that is coupled to the rear surface 1302 of thesupport member 1301. However, the invention is not to be so limited inall embodiments and the first pair of mounting elements 1304 may beformed directly into the rear surface 1302 of the support member 1301 oreach mounting element 1305, 1306 of the first pair of mounting elements1304 may be formed into separate plates that are coupled to the rearsurface 1302 of the support member 1301.

The first mounting element 1305 of the first pair of mounting elements1304 comprises an entry region 1330 and a nesting region 1331.Similarly, the second mounting element 1306 of the first pair ofmounting elements 1304 comprises an entry region 1332 and a nestingregion 1333. The entry regions 1330, 1332 are vertically orientedchannels that permit the first and second mounting elements 1311 a, 1311b of the first elongate member 1303 to pass therethrough. The nestingregions 1331, 1333 are horizontally oriented channels.

Thus, as best illustrated in FIGS. 24B and 24C, the first elongatemember 1303 is coupled to the support member 1301 (and more specificallyto the first pair of mounting elements 1304) via a horizontal slidingmotion. Specifically, first the first and second mounting elements 1311a, 1311 b are aligned with and inserted into the entry regions 1330,1332 of the first and second mounting elements 1305, 1306 of the firstpair of mounting elements 1304. Next, the first elongate arm 1303 isslid horizontally relative to the support structure 1301 so that thefirst and second mounting elements 1311 a, 1311 b slide horizontallyalong/within the nesting regions 1331, 1333 of the first and secondmounting elements 1305, 1306 of the first pair of mounting elements1304. There is either a cutout formed into the rear surface 1302 of thesupport structure 1301 or the plate that contains the first pair ofmounting elements 1304 is raised to provide a pocket or open spacewithin which the first and second mounting elements 1311 a, 1311 b cannest. Thus, this embodiment utilizes a horizontal sliding motion betweenthe first elongate arm 1303 and the support structure 1301 to mount thefirst elongate arm 1303 to the support structure 1301 via the first pairof mounting elements 1304.

Referring to FIGS. 25A and 25B, another embodiment of an over-the-doorhanging apparatus 1400 is illustrated and will be described. Theover-the-door hanging apparatus 1400 generally comprises a supportstructure 1401 having a rear surface 1402 and a mirror or other flatarticle coupled to the support structure 1401, first and second elongatemembers 1403, 1413, and a mounting bracket 1404 secured or coupled tothe rear surface 1402 of the support structure 1401. The first andsecond elongate members 1403, 1413 are similar in structure to thepreviously described first and second elongate members. Specifically,the first elongate member 1403 comprises a plurality of mountingelements 1411 (a first mounting element 1411 a, a second mountingelement 1411 b, and a third mounting element 1411 c) and a first bracket1412. The second elongate member 1413 comprises a plurality of mountingelements 1421 (a first mounting element 1421 a, a second mountingelement 1421 b, and a third mounting element 1421 c) and a secondbracket 1422.

The main difference in this embodiment relative to those previouslydescribed is that rather than having a mounting plate or pairs ofmounting elements on the rear surface 1402 of the support structure1401, there is a single mounting bracket 1404. The mounting bracket 1404comprises first portions 1405 that are secured directly to the rearsurface 1402 of the support structure 1401 and second portions 1406 thatare raised relative to the rear surface 1402 of the support structure1401. Thus, the first portions 1405 of the mounting bracket 1404 are indirect surface contact with the rear surface 1402 of the supportstructure 1401 to couple the mounting bracket 1404 to the supportstructure 1401 and the second portions 1406 of the mounting bracket 1404are spaced apart from the rear surface 1402 of the support structure1401. The mounting bracket 1404 extends horizontally along the rearsurface 1402 of the support structure 1401 transverse to a verticalcenterline of the support structure 1401. The first portions 1405 of themounting bracket 1404 are on opposing ends of the mounting bracket 1404and the second portion 1406 of the mounting bracket 1404 extends betweenthe first portions 1405 of the mounting bracket.

FIG. 25A illustrates the first and second elongate members 1403, 1413detached from the mounting bracket 1404 and FIG. 25B illustrates thefirst and second elongate members 1403, 1413 attached or mounted to themounting bracket 1404. To mount the first elongate arm 1403 to themounting bracket 1404, one of the first, second, and third mountingelements 1411 a-c of the first elongate arm 1403 (which may be hooks asdescribed herein above) is aligned with a bottom edge of the raisedportion 1406 of the mounting bracket 1404. The first elongate member1403 is then slid vertically to trap the raised portion 1406 of themounting bracket 1404 within the slot or space formed by the mountingelement 1411 a-c being used. Any of the first, second, and thirdmounting elements 1411 a-c may be used depending on the desired hangingheight of the support structure 1401. Specifically, if the firstmounting element 1411 a is used, the support structure 1401 will hanglower and if the third mounting element 1411 c is used the supportstructure will hang higher. The same technique is used for mounting thesecond elongate member 1413 to the mounting bracket 1404. In FIG. 25B,the second mounting elements 1411 b, 1421 b of the first and secondelongate members 1403, 1413 are used in the mounting.

Although only a single mounting bracket 1404 is used in the exemplifiedembodiment, in alternative embodiments a second mounting bracket mayalso be coupled to the rear surface 1402 of the support structure 1401at a vertical position above or below the mounting bracket 1404. Whentwo mounting brackets are used, two of the mounting elements 1411 a-c,1421 a-c of the first and second elongate embers 1403, 1413 will engagewith mounting brackets simultaneously, resulting in a more secureattachment between the first and second elongate members 1403, 1413 andthe support structure 1401, allowing less potential movement of thesupport structure 1401 when it is hanging from a door as describedherein above.

FIG. 25C illustrates an embodiment of an over-the-door hanging apparatus1500 that is similar to the over-the-door hanging apparatus 1400 ofFIGS. 25A and 25B except as described herein below. Thus, thedescription above with regard to the over-the-door hanging apparatus1400 is applicable to this embodiment except for the differencesspecifically described below. In this embodiment, the mounting bracket1504 has two raised portions 1406 a, 1406 b and three non-raisedportions 1405 a-c. The non-raised portion 1405 c is positioned andextends in between the two raised portions 1406 a, 1406 b. Thus, in thisembodiment the raised portions 1406 a, 1406 b are reduced in lengthrelative to the raised portion 1406 of the over-the-door hangingapparatus 1400. This will reduce horizontal sliding of the first andsecond elongate members 1403, 1413 when the first and second elongatemembers 1403, 1413 are mounted to the mounting bracket 1504.

FIGS. 25D and 25E illustrate still another embodiment of anover-the-door hanging apparatus 1600 that is similar to theover-the-door hanging apparatus 1400 of FIGS. 25A and 25B except asdescribed herein below. Thus, the description above with regard to theover-the-door hanging apparatus 1400 is applicable to this embodimentexcept for the differences specifically described below. In thisembodiment, the mounting bracket 1604 is a generally flat, planarstructure extending across the width of the support structure 1401.However, in this embodiment there are two cutouts 1606 a, 1606 b formedinto the rear surface 1402 of the support structure 1401 from a locationadjacent a top edge 1640 of the mounting bracket 1604 verticallydownwardly beyond a bottom edge 1641 of the mounting bracket 1604.

To mount the first elongated member 1403 to the mounting bracket 1604,one of the mounting elements 1411 a-c of the first elongated member 1403is inserted into the cutout 1606 a, and then the first elongated member1403 is slid upwardly. Similarly, to mount the second elongated member1413 to the mounting bracket 1604, one of the mounting elements 1421 a-cof the second elongated member 1413 is inserted into the cutout 1606 b,and then the second elongated member 1413 is slid upwardly.

Referring to FIG. 26, another embodiment of an over-the-door hangingapparatus 1700 is illustrated. The over-the-door hanging apparatus 1700is similar to the over-the-door hanging apparatus 1000 of FIGS. 21A and21B except that instead of using set screws as the mounting elementsthat are secured to the rear surface 1702 of the support structure 1701and to which the first and second elongated members 1703, 1713 aremounted to the support structure 1701, barbs 1705 a, 1705 b, 1706 a,1706 b are used. Thus, the first and second elongated members 1703, 1713may be aligned with the rear surface 1702 of the support structure 1701as desired, and then the barbs may be inserted into through-holes (i.e.,mounting elements) formed into the first and second elongated members1703, 1713. The material and construction of the barbs 1705 a, 1705 b,1706 a, 1706 b and the material of the support structure 1701 may besuch that the barbs 1705 a, 1705 b, 1706 a, 1706 b are able to be pressfit into the support structure 1701 with the force of a user's hand orthumb/fingers. Alternatively, the rear surface 1702 of the supportstructure 1701 may include pre-drilled holes into which the barbs 1705a, 1705 b, 1706 a, 1706 b may be press-fit to secure the first andsecond elongate members 1703, 1713 to the support structure 1701. Thisembodiment may be used in combination with a plate (not shown) that isaffixed to the rear surface 1702 of the support structure 1701 orwithout such a plate as shown in the exemplified embodiment.

Rather than barbs 1705 a, 1705 b, 1706 a, 1706 b, any type of fastener(bolts, rivets, screws, eye lags, etc.) may be used. Alternatively, theelongated members 1703, 1713 may be secured to the rear surface 1702 ofthe support structure 1701 using adhesive, hook-and-loop fasteners, orthe like.

While the invention has been described with respect to specific examplesincluding presently preferred modes of carrying out the invention, thoseskilled in the art will appreciate that there are numerous variationsand permutations of the above described systems and techniques. It is tobe understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural andfunctional modifications may be made without departing from the scope ofthe present invention. Thus, the spirit and scope of the inventionshould be construed broadly as set forth in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An over-the-door hanging apparatus comprising: asupport structure extending along a longitudinal axis and having a rearsurface; a first mounting element pair coupled to the rear surface ofthe support structure, the first mounting element pair comprising afirst mounting element and a second mounting element, each of the firstand second mounting elements comprising a curved channel; a firstelongate member comprising a first surface, an opposite second surface,a first mounting element and a second mounting element protruding fromthe first surface of the first elongate member, and a first bracketprotruding from the second surface of the first elongate member forengaging a top edge of a door; the support structure and the firstelongate member coupled together by simultaneously: (1) rotating thefirst mounting element of the first elongate member through the curvedchannel of the first mounting element of the first mounting elementpair; and (2) rotating the second mounting element of the first elongatemember through the curved channel of the second mounting element of thefirst mounting element pair.
 2. The over-the-door hanging apparatusaccording to claim 1 wherein the first mounting element pair is coupledto the rear surface of the support structure on a first side of thelongitudinal axis and further comprising a second mounting element paircoupled to the rear surface of the support structure on a second side ofthe longitudinal axis.
 3. The over-the-door hanging apparatus accordingto claim 2 wherein the second mounting element pair comprises a thirdmounting element and a fourth mounting element, each of the third andfourth mounting elements comprising a curved channel.
 4. Theover-the-door hanging apparatus according to claim 3 further comprisinga second elongate member comprising a first surface, an opposite secondsurface, a first mounting element and a second mounting elementprotruding from the first surface of the second elongate member, and asecond bracket protruding from the second surface of the second elongatemember for engaging the top edge of the door, the support structure andthe second elongate member coupled together by simultaneously: (1)rotating the first mounting element of the second elongate memberthrough the curved channel of the third mounting element of the secondmounting element pair; and (2) rotating the second mounting element ofthe second elongate member through the curved channel of the fourthmounting element of the second mounting element pair.
 5. Theover-the-door hanging apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the firstmounting element pair is formed as a single mounting plate that iscoupled to the rear surface of the support structure.
 6. Theover-the-door hanging apparatus according to claim 1 wherein a concaveside of the curved channel of the first mounting element of the firstmounting element pair faces a concave side of the curved channel of thesecond mounting element of the first mounting element pair.
 7. Theover-the-door hanging apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the curvedchannels of the first and second mounting elements of the first mountingelement pair comprise an entry section and a nesting section, whereinthe nesting sections are aligned along a reference plane that isperpendicular to the rear surface of the support structure, and whereinthe entry sections are located on opposite sides of the reference plane.8. The over-the-door hanging apparatus according to claim 7 wherein thefirst mounting element of the first mounting element pair comprises anopen bottom end and an open first side and a closed top end and a closedsecond side and the second mounting element of the first mountingelement pair comprises an open top end and an open first side and aclosed bottom and a closed second side.
 9. The over-the-door hangingapparatus according to claim 1 wherein coupling the first elongatemember and the support structure comprises aligning the first mountingelement of the first elongate member with an opening into the curvedchannel of the first mounting element of the first mounting element pairand aligning the second mounting element of the first elongate memberwith an opening into the curved channel of the second mounting elementof the first mounting element pair and rotating one of the supportstructure and the first elongate member about an axis that isperpendicular to the rear surface of the support structure so that thefirst mounting element of the first elongate member enters into thecurved channel of the first mounting element of the first mountingelement pair and the second mounting element of the first elongatemember simultaneously enters into the curved channel of the secondmounting element of the first mounting element pair.
 10. Theover-the-door hanging apparatus according to claim 1 further comprisinga mirror coupled to the support structure.
 11. An over-the-door hangingapparatus comprising: a support structure extending along a longitudinalaxis and having a rear surface; a first mounting element pair coupled tothe rear surface of the support structure, the first mounting elementpair comprising a first mounting element and a second mounting element,each of the first and second mounting elements comprising a horizontallyelongated channel; a first elongate member comprising a first surface,an opposite second surface, a first mounting element and a secondmounting element protruding from the first surface of the first elongatemember, and a first bracket protruding from the second surface of thefirst elongate member for engaging a top edge of a door; the supportstructure and the first elongate member coupled together by: (1)inserting the first mounting element of the first elongate member intothe horizontally elongated channel of the first mounting element of thefirst mounting element pair and inserting the second mounting element ofthe first elongate member into the horizontally elongated channel of thesecond mounting element of the first mounting element pair; and (2)horizontally translating one of the first elongate member and thesupport structure relative to the other so that the first and secondmounting elements of the first elongate member move horizontally withinthe horizontally elongated channels.
 12. The over-the-door hangingapparatus according to claim 11 wherein the first mounting element pairis coupled to the rear surface of the support structure on a first sideof the longitudinal axis and further comprising a second mountingelement pair coupled to the rear surface of the support structure on asecond side of the longitudinal axis
 13. The over-the-door hangingapparatus according to claim 12 wherein the second mounting element paircomprises a third mounting element and a fourth mounting element, eachof the third and fourth mounting elements comprising a horizontallyelongated channel.
 14. The over-the-door hanging apparatus according toclaim 13 further comprising a second elongate member comprising a firstsurface, an opposite second surface, a first mounting element and asecond mounting element protruding from the first surface of the secondelongate member, and a second bracket protruding from the second surfaceof the second elongate member for engaging the top edge of the door, thesupport structure and the second elongate member coupled together by:(1) inserting the first mounting element of the second elongate memberinto the horizontally elongated channel of the third mounting element ofthe second mounting element pair and inserting the second mountingelement of the second elongate member into the horizontally elongatedchannel of the fourth mounting element of the second mounting elementpair; and (2) horizontally translating one of the second elongate memberand the support structure relative to the other so that the first andsecond mounting elements of the second elongate member move horizontallywithin the horizontally elongated channels.
 15. The over-the-doorhanging apparatus according to claim 11 wherein each of the first andsecond mounting elements of the first mounting element pair comprises avertically elongated channel spatially coupled to the horizontallyelongated channel, and wherein the first and second mounting elements ofthe first elongate member pass through the vertically elongated channelsbefore being moved horizontally into and within the horizontallyelongated channels of the first and second mounting elements of thefirst mounting element pair.
 16. The over-the-door hanging apparatusaccording to claim 15 wherein the vertically elongated channels and thehorizontally elongated channels of each of the first and second mountingelements forms an L-shaped channel, and wherein the vertically elongatedchannels form entry portions of the L-shaped channels that permitinsertion of the first and second mounting elements of the firstelongate member and the horizontally elongated channels form nestingportions of the L-shaped channels that maintains the coupling betweenthe first elongate member and the support structure.
 17. Theover-the-door hanging apparatus according to claim 11 wherein the firstmounting element pair is formed as a single mounting plate that iscoupled to the rear surface of the support structure.
 18. Anover-the-door hanging apparatus comprising: a support structureextending along a longitudinal axis and having a rear surface; amounting bracket coupled to the rear surface of the support structure,the mounting bracket having an upper edge and a lower edge and beingelongated in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of thesupport structure; a first elongate member comprising a first surface,an opposite second surface, at least one mounting element protrudingfrom the first surface of the first elongate member, and a first bracketprotruding from the second surface of the first elongate member forengaging a top edge of a door; and the support structure slidablymounted to the mounting bracket through mating between the at least onemounting element of the first elongate member and the lower edge of themounting bracket.
 19. The over-the-door hanging apparatus according toclaim 18 wherein the mounting bracket comprises a first portion and asecond portion that are secured to the rear surface of the supportstructure on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis and a third portionthat is spaced from the rear surface of the support structure, the thirdportion extending between the first and second portions, and wherein thesupport structure is slidably mounted to the mounting bracket throughmating between the at least one mounting element of the first elongatemember and the third portion of the mounting bracket.
 20. Theover-the-door hanging apparatus according to claim 18 wherein themounting bracket has a flat surface in contact with the rear surface ofthe support member, and further comprising at least one cutout formedinto the rear surface of the support member extending from a locationadjacent a top edge of the mounting bracket downwardly beyond a bottomedge of the mounting bracket, and wherein the at least one mountingelement of the first elongate member is inserted into the at least onecutout and then slid upwardly in a direction of the longitudinal axisuntil it contacts the lower edge of the mounting bracket to mount thesupport structure to the mounting bracket.